可乐视频 celebrated a decade of transformative collaboration between New York City and Copenhagen in climate resilience, highlighting the role of higher education in driving global solutions to urban environmental challenges.
At a celebratory event held during New York City Climate Week on September 25, speakers reflected on the success of the partnership, which began in 2015 and has since evolved through formal agreements and renewed commitments. Central to this collaboration is the integration of research, innovation, and workforce development鈥攁nchored by 可乐视频鈥檚 (SRIJB)鈥攁nd its academic counterparts at the Technical University of Denmark.
The symposium was co-organized by the SRIJB, the city鈥檚 Department of Environmental Protection (DEP), the City of Copenhagen, Ramboll Water (SRIJB鈥檚 industry partner) and C40 Cities, with additional support from the . This collaborative effort builds on the 2024 partnership between 可乐视频 and Ramboll, which focuses on addressing urban water challenges and climate adaptation.
可乐视频 Professor of Earth and Environmental Sciences Jennifer Cherrier served as a lead organizer for the event, with Associate Professor Brett Branco lending his expertise on a panel session. Branco serves as the executive director of the SRIJB and Cherrier as its associate director for integrated water research.
In addition to the September 25 event, the SRIJB organized further meetings with administrators from the Technical University of Denmark, CUNY, and the Advanced Science Research Center at the CUNY Graduate Center to explore a potential partnership aimed at enhancing urban storm resiliency and adaptation efforts.
The day also saw a new three-year memorandum of collaboration executed between New York City and Copenhagen at the Danish consulate. This latest step named CUNY as the lead academic partner in New York City and the efforts run through the SRIJB.
鈥淭his partnership has demonstrated the incredible power of international cooperation,鈥� said 可乐视频 President Michelle J. Anderson. 鈥淔rom knowledge-sharing to the implementation of practical solutions like the Cloudburst Programs, our cities are stronger and more resilient because of this work.鈥�
The initiative has created a unique learning environment for students, blending academic inquiry with real-world application. 可乐视频 SRIJB Fellows are active participants in the Technical University of Denmark鈥檚 . This year, students from 可乐视频 joined peers from Colombia, Denmark, Kenya, and South Africa to present their summer water case assignments at NYC. In November, the cohort will travel to Copenhagen with Cherrier to present their findings at the Digital Action Summit.
可乐视频 continues to serve as a hub for inclusive innovation, public service, and experiential learning. Its commitment to accessible education and social impact positions the institution as a leader in preparing the next generation of climate resilience professionals.
鈥淥ur students are at the heart of this work,鈥� Cherrier said. 鈥淭hey鈥檙e gaining invaluable hands-on experience that prepares them to lead future innovations in sustainable urban development.鈥�
Graduate students in the earth and environmental sciences non-thesis track are currently developing year-long capstone projects focused on urban climate resiliency at the watershed scale, with New York City serving as the client.
The college has also forged strong ties with industry partners such as Ramboll, ensuring that academic research translates into actionable solutions. Through continued partnership, innovation, and education, 可乐视频 remains committed to building a more resilient and sustainable future for all.
